Best Supermarkets for Student Discounts and Cheap Meal Deals in 2025
Being a student in the UK can be expensive. Between rent, textbooks, and transport, food shopping often becomes a balancing act between eating well and saving money. Luckily, supermarkets across the country offer plenty of ways for students to cut costs — through discount schemes, loyalty cards, cheap meal deals, and own-brand essentials that don’t break the bank.
This guide explores which UK supermarkets give the best value for students in 2025, what discounts are available, and smart strategies for making your grocery budget go further.
Why Student Discounts Matter
The cost of living crisis has made budgeting more important than ever. Students now spend an average of over £50 a week on groceries, according to national surveys. Every small saving adds up, whether that’s through loyalty points, meal deals, or discounted store brands.
Supermarkets know this, which is why many have tailored offers specifically for students — from exclusive discount days to low-cost ready meals and free loyalty perks.
What to Look for as a Student Shopper
Before comparing supermarkets, here’s what students should focus on when choosing where to shop:
- Student discount eligibility: Some stores partner with student platforms like UNiDAYS or Student Beans.
- Meal deal prices: For quick lunches between lectures.
- Loyalty rewards: Points or cashback systems that add up over the term.
- Budget ranges: Affordable own-brand groceries for everyday cooking.
- Convenience: Proximity to campus or delivery options for shared flats.
Tesco: Clubcard Prices and £3.40 Meal Deals
Tesco remains one of the most student-friendly supermarkets because of its wide availability and strong loyalty system.
Student Discounts
Tesco doesn’t offer a direct student discount through UNiDAYS or Student Beans, but Clubcard Prices fill that gap. Scanning your Clubcard gives you instant access to hundreds of price reductions across food, snacks, toiletries, and drinks.
Meal Deals
Tesco’s meal deal is iconic among students. For £3.40 with a Clubcard, you can pick a main (like sandwiches, pasta pots, or sushi), a snack, and a drink. The range is broad, covering vegetarian, vegan, and high-protein options. Without a Clubcard, the same deal costs £3.90 — another reason to register.
Budget Shopping
Tesco’s Stockwell & Co. and Grower’s Harvest lines provide affordable basics for bulk cooking — pasta, rice, sauces, and frozen veg. Combined with weekly offers and clear pricing, Tesco is one of the most reliable supermarkets for predictable student budgeting.
Verdict
Best overall for students who want convenience, loyalty rewards, and variety without overspending.
Sainsbury’s: Nectar Prices and Quality Meal Deals
Sainsbury’s offers mid-range pricing but strong loyalty benefits through its Nectar system.
Student Discounts
Sainsbury’s occasionally partners with UNiDAYS for limited-time promotions, usually offering 10 percent off for new sign-ups. Even when those aren’t active, Nectar Prices give digital discounts similar to Tesco’s Clubcard.
Meal Deals
The Sainsbury’s meal deal costs £3.50, including a main, snack, and drink. Its strength is quality — sandwiches are generous, salads are fresh, and the vegetarian options are excellent. For students near large city campuses, Sainsbury’s Local stores make grabbing a quick lunch easy.
Budget Ranges
The Stamford Street range, launched to replace Basics, is designed for budget-conscious shoppers. Prices rival Asda and Aldi, with pasta for under 80p and sauces under £1.
Verdict
Best for students who care about both value and food quality, especially if they already use Nectar for online shopping or fuel points.
Asda: Everyday Low Prices and Just Essentials
Asda has long been a favourite for students because of its combination of low prices, variety, and meal planning options.
Student Discounts
Asda doesn’t currently run an official student discount, but it consistently ranks among the cheapest for basic groceries. Students can also use the Asda Rewards app, which turns purchases into “Asda Pounds” for future savings.
Meal Deals
Asda’s meal deal is one of the most flexible. For £3.50, you get a main, snack, and drink, with regular promotions bringing it down to £3. There’s a wide selection including vegan wraps, protein snacks, and iced coffees.
Budget Range
The Just Essentials range is Asda’s biggest win for students. Everything from noodles and beans to bread and cheese comes in bright yellow packaging at unbeatable prices. You can cook full meals for less than £1 per portion using Just Essentials ingredients.
Verdict
Best supermarket for students on a tight budget who want full weekly shops at the lowest cost.
Aldi: Cheapest Weekly Shops, Limited Ready Meals
Aldi remains the go-to for students willing to plan meals and cook at home.
Student Discounts
Aldi doesn’t offer specific student discounts, but it consistently delivers the lowest prices overall. Even without deals or loyalty cards, it beats most other supermarkets by 15–20 percent across a standard basket.
Meal Options
Aldi doesn’t have formal meal deals, but it sells affordable grab-and-go snacks such as sandwiches and salads for £1–£2 each. Its frozen range is ideal for quick meals — pizzas, pasta bakes, and stir-fry kits often cost under £2.
Budget Range
Aldi’s Everyday Essentials range covers all the basics at rock-bottom prices. Cooking from scratch with Aldi ingredients costs significantly less than relying on pre-packed meals.
Verdict
Best for students focused on home cooking and saving the maximum amount each week.
Lidl: Great Bakery Deals and Fresh Value
Lidl matches Aldi for low-cost groceries but wins extra points for its bakery and loyalty rewards.
Student Discounts
Like Aldi, Lidl doesn’t run an official student discount. However, the Lidl Plus app offers weekly coupons, digital scratch cards, and fuel discounts that help stretch your budget.
Meal Deals
Lidl doesn’t have traditional £3 meal deals but makes up for it with affordable fresh bakery snacks. You can grab a croissant, sausage roll, or sandwich with a drink for under £3.
Budget Range
Lidl’s Simply range competes closely with Aldi’s Everyday Essentials. Cooking staples, frozen meals, and snacks are all priced low.
Verdict
Best for students who enjoy variety and don’t mind mixing fresh bakery food with budget ingredients.
Morrisons: High Quality with Student-Friendly Offers
Morrisons sits between mid-range and premium, but its regular promotions make it accessible to students.
Student Discounts
Morrisons occasionally runs 10 percent discounts through UNiDAYS or Student Beans during the start of academic terms. Keep an eye out each September and January when these offers often return.
Meal Deals
Morrisons has one of the best-value premium meal deals at £3.50. The quality is high, with a wide selection of mains, including sushi, wraps, and hot food. Morrisons Daily stores, found on many campuses, make this even more convenient.
Budget Ranges
Morrisons’ Savers range includes low-cost staples and frozen meals perfect for bulk cooking. Combining these with yellow sticker reductions can cut your food spend significantly.
Verdict
Best for students who want better-quality meal deals and occasional student discounts.
Co-op: 10% Off with TOTUM
Co-op is one of the few supermarkets with an official ongoing student discount.
Student Discounts
If you have a TOTUM card (the official student discount card and app), you’ll get 10 percent off all groceries at Co-op. This makes it ideal for students who prefer shopping locally or who live near campus-based Co-op stores.
Meal Deals
The Co-op meal deal is slightly higher at £4, but the quality is strong. Many include fresh baguettes, healthy snacks, and branded drinks. With the 10 percent TOTUM discount applied, it comes closer to £3.60.
Budget Shopping
Co-op prices are higher than Aldi or Asda overall, but member rewards and TOTUM savings help bridge the gap. For small top-up shops or emergency groceries, it’s convenient and worthwhile.
Verdict
Best for students who want consistent, official discounts and easy local access.
Iceland: Frozen Food Deals and PayPal Flexibility
Iceland focuses on frozen food and bulk savings, making it ideal for students with freezer space.
Student Discounts
Iceland doesn’t offer formal student discounts, but it frequently runs student-focused campaigns with bulk-buy promotions during term starts.
Meal Deals
While Iceland doesn’t have a set lunch deal, it offers multiple “3 for £5” or “5 for £10” bundle deals across frozen meals, snacks, and desserts. This works well for shared student freezers and late-night cooking.
Budget Range
Iceland’s value lines make batch cooking simple. Its frozen pizzas, chips, and ready meals are among the cheapest per portion in the UK.
Verdict
Best for students who share accommodation and want to stock up on cheap frozen meals.
Waitrose: Occasional Student Offers and Premium Meal Deals
Waitrose isn’t the cheapest supermarket, but it occasionally runs limited student promotions, especially in university towns.
Student Discounts
Waitrose sometimes partners with universities or local Student Unions for one-off events or temporary discounts. These vary by location and time of year.
Meal Deals
Its £5 meal deal is pricier but includes premium sandwiches, smoothies, and snacks. Students who value quality ingredients or vegetarian options often find it worth the extra spend.
Budget Shopping
Waitrose Essential products are reasonably priced compared to its premium lines. If you focus on Essentials and use MyWaitrose member offers, you can manage a moderate student budget.
Verdict
Best for students who prioritise quality over quantity or shop occasionally for higher-end groceries.
Comparing Student-Friendly Supermarkets
| Supermarket | Student Discount | Meal Deal Price | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesco | No (Clubcard savings) | £3.40 | Clubcard Prices and convenience |
| Sainsbury’s | Occasional (UNiDAYS) | £3.50 | Nectar Prices and quality |
| Asda | No | £3.50 | Cheapest weekly shops |
| Aldi | No | No formal meal deal | Lowest overall grocery prices |
| Lidl | No | No formal meal deal | Great bakery snacks |
| Morrisons | Occasional (UNiDAYS) | £3.50 | High-quality meal deals |
| Co-op | 10% with TOTUM | £4 (£3.60 after discount) | Official student discount |
| Iceland | No | Bundle offers | Bulk frozen deals |
| Waitrose | Rare local offers | £5 | Premium quality |
Tips to Save More as a Student
- Get a loyalty card early. Tesco Clubcard, Nectar, and Asda Rewards save money automatically.
- Use student cards strategically. TOTUM pays for itself in a few weeks if you shop at Co-op or use partner discounts elsewhere.
- Batch cook. Cooking once for several days cuts both food waste and energy costs.
- Shop in the evening. Yellow sticker discounts appear around 7 pm in most supermarkets.
- Buy own-brand. Store-brand pasta, sauces, and snacks cost half as much as big-name products with similar taste.
- Split shopping lists. Do your big shop at Aldi or Lidl, then grab meal deals or top-ups from Tesco or Co-op.
- Use cashback apps. Some banks and apps give cashback on supermarket spending, adding an extra layer of savings.
Final Verdict: The Best Supermarket for Students in 2025
For students looking for the lowest weekly costs, Aldi and Asda remain unbeatable. Aldi offers the cheapest essentials for home cooking, while Asda’s Just Essentials range and Asda Rewards app make full weekly shops incredibly affordable.
For convenience and loyalty perks, Tesco is the clear winner. Its £3.40 Clubcard meal deal and widespread store network make it ideal for both quick lunches and big shops.
For official discounts, Co-op is the only major supermarket offering a consistent 10 percent off through TOTUM. It’s perfect for quick, local shops on or near campus.
In the end, the “best” supermarket depends on how you live.
- If you cook in batches, shop at Aldi.
- If you love quick lunches, use Tesco or Sainsbury’s.
- If you rely on small top-up shops, go for Co-op.
With smart planning, loyalty cards, and a little timing, students in 2025 can still eat well, save money, and enjoy the small luxury of a decent meal deal between lectures.
